What Does the Future Hold?

It’s a record - more passengers utilized Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) during the month of June 2023 than in any other month in the airport’s history, exceeding 200,000 monthly passengers for the first time.  Up 25% compared to June 2022, this remarkable number is another example of the extraordinary growth that continues to occur at AVL.

"This is a momentous milestone at Asheville Regional Airport,” said Lew Bleiweis, President and CEO. “Surpassing 200,000 passengers in a single month is significant, and preliminary indicators show that July’s passenger numbers will be even larger. I would like to thank each and every traveler who makes the choice to fly from AVL, and please know that we are working hard every day to keep up with this astounding growth."

The continued double-digit percentage growth in passenger traffic month after month is a testament to the region's growing popularity as a premier travel destination, as well as the region’s propensity for travel. The airport's range of routes and airlines has played a pivotal role in catering to the region's travel needs, connecting travelers to an extensive network of domestic and international destinations. 

AVL is the third-busiest airport in the state of North Carolina, and recent Federal Aviation Administration reports show that AVL now ranks 101 out of 403 commercial service airports in the country by annual passenger volume. 

By the numbers:

Serving more than 1.8 million passengers in 2022, Asheville Regional Airport is continuing its growth trajectory. Now the third largest airport in North Carolina, the airport is served by six airlines that provide nonstop service to 26 unique airport destinations. For more information, visit flyavl.com.

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The numbers are in, and for the first time in history Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) served more than 400,000 passengers in the year’s first quarter– a 29% increase over the previous year’s record number of 312,000.  Additionally, each month’s passenger numbers for January, February and March were the highest in history, showing a strengthening of air service and utilization in the winter months at AVL.

Airlines continue to invest in the western North Carolina region and have grown their capacity (seats for sale in the market) in winter months.  And passengers are using the additional air service, showing strong demand.

“Approximately 60% of AVL passengers during first quarter 2023 were visitors to the region, a strong indicator of the strength of destination appeal even in what have been traditionally slower winter months.,” said Lew Bleiweis, A.A.E., President and CEO.  “And I believe that this growth trend is in part due to the excellent work by Explore Asheville in telling our region’s ‘destination’ story.” 

The growing number of passengers year-round are contributing to the airport’s need for a larger terminal and additional parking options.  The airport is currently constructing a new parking lot south of the terminal with 650 spaces, and the new airport terminal groundbreaking is slated for August.

This month, the airport opened a new temporary boarding area in preparation for the major terminal construction project that will more than double the size of the airport.  The new boarding area is a modular building adjacent to the terminal and will be used for approximately two years while new expanded gate areas are constructed.

“It is a pivotal time for our region in terms of air service growth and building for our future,” said Bleiweis.  “We are embarking on an exciting journey to create the airport of our region’s future, and we couldn’t do it without the support of our community and our travelers.  We are grateful for our region’s confidence in their local airport and promise that the next few years of construction will be an adventure worth taking together.  The end result will be phenomenal.”

Serving more than 1.8 million passengers in 2022, Asheville Regional Airport is continuing its growth trajectory.  Now the third largest airport in North Carolina, the airport is served by six airlines that provide nonstop service to 26 unique airport destinations.  For more information, visit flyavl.com.

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